Having a modern website design isn’t just about aesthetics. Many businesses underestimate the power that a fresh and up-to-date website can have on their online goals and objectives. If you’re in the process of redesigning your website, here are the latest design trends that will help you create a modern website that supports your digital marketing strategy.
Importance of a Modern Website Design
Ninety-three percent of all online experiences start with a search engine. For many consumers, your website is the first thing they will encounter in your business. As such, it’s important to make a strong first impression with your target audience. Here’s why a modern and professional website is essential for your business.
Establish Trust and Credibility
An outdated, unresponsive, or unaesthetic website will make it hard to achieve online success. You need a modern website design to inspire the trust and confidence of your audience. If they like what they see, they will remain on your website and learn more about your products or services.
Increase Search Rankings
A modern website provides consumers with a pleasant and seamless experience, which then encourages them to keep coming back again and again.
This tells search engines like Google that your business is reputable and that your content is valuable. These are important factors that will increase your search ranking. The higher the ranking, the more visible you are to consumers.
Stay Competitive
Consumers use websites to learn more about a business’s products. If you have a clunky and unappealing website, they will leave and move on to the next company. In a digital world that is full of competing businesses, a modern website can help you stay ahead of the competition. Design can help draw in consumers and encourage them to purchase from your business.
Modern Website Design Elements for Your Business
When was the last time you updated your website? If it’s been at least two to three years, it’s time for an update. Consider these web design trends to help you create a modern website.
1. A Minimalist Color Palette
Color choice is important in creating an aesthetically-pleasing website. In line with the latest UX trends, businesses can adopt a minimalist color palette to make their website look modern. Limiting your color scheme to two to three colors helps establish consistency throughout your website, which is crucial for brand recognition.
You can choose colors that represent your brand. Black, white, and muted or neutral colors are also on-trend for 2020 and beyond. Using gradients can also add variety and break the monotony of your minimalist color palette.
Best Website Design Inspiration: The Apple website is a great example of a minimalist color palette. The predominant use of black, white, and grey is very effective and makes it easier for consumers to focus on their products.
2. White Space
A modern website design also means plenty of white space. Businesses want to provide consumers with as much information about their products or services. However, this can result in a very cluttered and unorganized website. White space functions as a break or buffer between different elements of your website. It gives consumers time to breathe so that they can better comprehend important details about your business.
Best Website Design Inspiration: Shopify makes great use of white space. Their website looks very clean and minimalist. Consumers are not overwhelmed with information because the white space makes the featured text easier to digest.
3. Clear, Large, and Unique Typography
The traditional purpose of typography is to convey information but more businesses are now using it as a form of expression. Using unique typography — whether it be through sizing, spacing, or breaks — will make your website modern and appealing. No matter what typography you use, though, make sure that it is clear and large. The ideal font size for readability is 16px.
Best Website Design Inspiration: Coca-Cola has one of the most recognizable fonts today. When consumers see this font, they instantly associate it with the beverage manufacturer.
4. Hero Images
Another modern website design tactic is to use large hero images. When consumers visit a website, they are greeted by a large image that spans the entire upper fold of the page. With a single image, you can already convey the story of your business or what your brand is all about. Some websites feature a line of text along with the hero image while others also add a call-to-action (CTA) button. Hero images can keep consumers engaged and stay longer on your website.
Website Design Inspiration: Hello Fresh greets its website visitors with a large and vibrant hero image. It captures your attention and at the same time, already introduces you to the concept of the business.
5. Background Videos
Video has become one of the most popular and engaging forms of content. In keeping with this trend, modern design incorporates videos throughout a website.
Background videos, in particular, serve as an alternative to hero images. It’s a lively and interactive way of greeting consumers when they arrive on your website. Background videos are also effective in delivering your brand’s message in a quick and straightforward manner.
Website Design Inspiration: The Yacht Company homepage features a background video that shows consumers what they can experience with the brand’s offerings. There is also a compelling tagline and CTA button to encourage consumers to take action.
6. Mobile-Friendly
Mobile accounts for 51.53% of all website traffic. If you want to have a modern website, it must be compatible with mobile devices. Consumers on mobile will quickly leave a website if the layout is clunky and they have to zoom in to read the text. Google also downgrades search rankings for websites that are not mobile-friendly. As such, businesses must prioritize mobile responsiveness and compatibility when designing a modern website.
Website Design Inspiration: Evernote has a mobile-friendly design. The website utilizes a hamburger menu so that visitors can easily navigate. The images and text are also optimized and show fully across devices.
7. Speed Optimized
Modern website design isn’t limited to visual elements. Speed is also a crucial element of a modern website. Consumers will only wait three seconds for a website to load. If it doesn’t, they will just leave. They’re also unlikely to come back as a slow-loading website creates a negative impression of the business. If you want to continue generating leads and sales, make sure that your website is optimized for speed.
Modern Website Design Is All About the User
A website is an important tool for achieving digital marketing goals and objectives. However, that shouldn’t be the focus when redesigning your website. Modern website design is all about the user experience. The best websites put their target audience at the forefront and use design elements that make sense for consumers.
With these modern website design elements, you’ll be able to capture the attention of consumers and keep them engaged. If you’re successful, you’ll eventually see all your digital marketing strategies fall into place as well.
Need more web design inspiration for your website? Feel free to reach out to the Tanner Grey team today! We can help you create a modern website that appeals to your target audience. Contact us online, email us at web@tannergrey.com, or call us at 844.500.1339 to learn more information about our web design services.
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